First, the raw jobs numbers and the state's low unemployment rate (5.1 percent in August) don't account for the fact that many people have given up looking for work altogether. In fact, as the Star Tribune reports, August's labor force participation rate of 70.3 percent is the lowest since January 1982.

"The number of discouraged workers in Minnesota has fallen from 10,900 last August to 6,900 this August, so that does suggest that the decline that we're seeing in participation rates is driven more by demographic or permanent factors," Hine told the Strib, referring to the significant number of workers who are aging out of the workforce instead of giving up hope.

Secondly, the raw jobs number and unemployment rate don't account for the quality of the jobs being created. And on that score, data indicates the new post-recession jobs are lower paying and more temporary than they were in the halcyon days of 2006 and 2007.

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To the comments below about jobs...the whole economy relies on our countries focus on two things. Hard work. Spending like rabbits fuck. You might see some significant infrastructure (well more I guess) challenges if the big bad wolf that is our current government doesn't get to stick their hands into your pocket, the pocket you give your money too, and the hand that gives it to them.

With that said, I agree capitalism sucks at times....but having lived in a foreign country.....well....let's just say I saw a lot of people in Spain looking for that "American Dream".

this is terrible news... this means EVEN more wisconsin HICKS will be invading our communities trying to take our jobs. meaningless and useless jobs

who even wants a fucking job anyways. The only reason i show up to work is to be able to pay for FOOD. food grows for free out of the earth. this is a fucked up system that you have to buy what is readily available or free